California Coastal Drive

We took this drive in the fall and drove 2 parts over 2 days. We started in Windsor CA, near Santa Rosa. You could easily do this drive in one day but we wanted to spend the middle of the day exploring wineries and Healdsburg. I am typically not a road trip fan but when you have the beauty of California, it’s much easier to enjoy! The entire itinerary can be followed with my Sonoma Road Trip on Goggle. Also note the entire drive should take roughly 5 hrs total, depending on how much time you spend stoping and enjoying the views.

DAY ONE

Road trips always must start with coffee, so we grabbed breakfast from Cafe Noto and hit the road. We followed the map and went south to end in Bodega Bay. I was so amazed at all of the gorgeous scenery.

Some of the highlights of the itinerary is Duncan’s Cove, Schoolhouse Beach and Bodega Bay. When you drive the coast there are so many areas you can pullover at that aren’t on the map.

One you arrive to Bodega Bay there are so many places to grab lunch or a snack. I am sure this area is much busier during the spring and summer seasons. If you want an extra special stop, go to Sonoma Coast Vineyards for wine and a view. Since it was fall, we decided to stop at Spud Point for some delicious clam chowder. And we can’t forget the snacks for the drive home at Patricks Salt Water Taffy!

DAY TWO

After we grabbed coffee from Black Oak Coffee Roasters in Healdsburg, we drove through the frosted fall colored vineyards towards Armstrong National Forest to check out the red wood trees. Although it was November and it was chilly, we took the top down on the convertible and blasted the heat to take in the majestic beauty.

Driving through the park was amazing. The trees are so big. We didn’t hike through any of the trails but driving through the park took about 30 mins. We got out and walked a few places but due to the lack of sunshine, it did get very chilly. Red wood trees will always amaze me.

Now for the main event, the PCH 1! On this day we took the highway north. I have listed on my google maps the main spots to stop but honestly you can just drive and pullover where ever you can find a safe spot.

The main stops on this half of the trip are Blind Beach, Goat Rock Beach, Heart Rock and we ended at the Jenner Headlands. Cell service is touchy but we managed since there is only one road to follow. Also the restroom situation is sketch but we made it work with lots of laughing.

Stay tuned for part 2. We are heading back in May and heading much further north for ever better scenery! Although we haven’t even touched 10% of the PCH I am excited to slowly explore it.

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